Jammu, June 20: Once considered to be important part of the rural life, rapid urbanization has slowly destroyed the traditional ponds (Talabs), in winter capital of the state, particularly in Kandi area.
The historical ponds in Jammu have been known for their impact on the day today life of Jammuites and several localities like Bantalab, Rani Talab, Talab Khatinka, Tilloo Talab have been named after these ponds.
However, these ponds have vanished due to the apathy of the concerned departments and rapid urbanization.
Till a few decades ago, these ponds constituted an important water buffer, particularly during summer. However, even if some ponds exist in outskirts, especially areas dominated by Gujjars, they are seldom being used due to their pathetic conditions.
“About 20 years back except drinking, people were dependent on pond water for day-today-activities, but now the pond in our locality has turned filthy, where people dump their household waste”, said Mulk Raj of Bantalab.
“You can judge the importance of this waterbody from the fact that our area got its name from it”, he said.
Most of the people in Jammu attribute the pathetic condition of these ponds to influx of people from other parts of the region and state who constructed houses in these localities.
“Within Jammu region these water bodies are associated with the village deities but after new localities came into being new inhabitants seldom have any emotional attachment with them and use them as garbage dumb”, said Kaka Ram from Raipur village.
However at many places greed for land has also contributed to their extinction. “The pond in our area was filled up and a board was put on it for sale. We approached the municipality and Jammu Development Authority, but nothing happened”, said Kulbushan Kumar of Paloura.
However Commissioner JMC, Mubarak Singh said they had taken initiative to save these water bodies falling. “We have taken up a plan to save these water bodies by initiating steps against the encroachers”, he said.
He said at many places Corporation had taken over water bodies and legal action was being initiated against those who had encroached them. “Poor management of these water bodies, ever increasing population and growing demand for human settlements have pushed these precious resources of maintaining eco-balance to a premature death, but steps should be taken to save them”, said Devinder Gupta of Buta Nagar.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST